The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced an updated closure date for the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix River.
The bridge will remain open longer than originally anticipated while the contractor waits for equipment needed to begin removing the existing bridge.
The bridge is now scheduled to close at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026, and is expected to remain closed through fall 2027.
What Residents and Travelers Need to Know
Once the bridge closes, motorists traveling between Osceola, Wisconsin, and Minnesota will need to use an alternate river crossing.
Designated detour: Follow Hwy 95, Hwy 8, Hwy 35, and Hwy 243.
Motorists may also choose an alternate route using the Hwy 36 river crossing in Stillwater, depending on their destination.
- View the Hwy 8 Detour Map https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy243osceola/images/osceolabridge-hwy8detour.jpg
- View the Hwy 36 Alternate Detour Map https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy243osceola/images/hwy243osceolabridge-hwy36detour.png
Work Continues Before the Closure
While the bridge remains open, crews will continue preparing for construction. This includes clearing trees and vegetation along the portage route and applying new pavement markings along the Hwy 8 detour route.
The bridge replacement will require a significant adjustment for residents, commuters, businesses, and visitors who regularly travel between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Please plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and check road conditions before leaving.
Important Project Information
This is a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project, not a Village of Osceola project. The Village is sharing information provided by MnDOT as a courtesy to keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed about the project and its impacts on our community.
For the latest construction information and updates, visit the official MnDOT Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge Project website. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy243osceola/
Motorists can also check 511 Minnesota for current road conditions and travel information.
All construction dates and timelines are approximate and subject to change based on weather and construction schedules. We appreciate everyone’s patience as this project moves forward.